Cell-derived matrices for scaffolds improvement

Abstract

Cells’ surrounding microenvironment is highly complex, comprising an organized macromolecular network. Additionally, it plays crucial structural and signaling roles for cellular functions and, ultimately, for tissues’ features. Current biomaterials used in tissue engineering applications fail to recapitulate this complex environment, prompting the pursuit of other alternatives. In this scenario, cell-derived matrices appear as a promising approach since they can avoid the risk of disease transmission while conserving their bioactivity. Different types of cells can be used to obtain cell-derived matrices with specific biological cues that emulate the ones present in the native tissues. To improve the low mechanical properties of cell-derived matrices, they have been combined with different materials, giving rise to scaffolds with proper mechanical properties and improved bioactivity. The current developments in the culture techniques and decellularization methods, and types of cell-derived matrices to improve scaffolds performance for application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are overviewed herein.The authors thank the funds obtained from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the project HEALTH-UNORTE (ref. NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000039) and the project BAMOS (H2020-MSCA-RISE program no. 734156). F.R.M. acknowledges FCT for her contract under the Transitional Rule DL 57/2016 (CTTI-57/18-I3BS(5))